Federal Government Decries Misuse of Newly Constructed Roads, Issues Stern Warning
The Federal Government has expressed strong disapproval over the widespread misuse of roads across Nigeria, issuing a firm warning against the indiscriminate parking of fuel tankers and other heavy-duty vehicles on newly constructed roadways. This action, according to authorities, poses a direct and significant threat to the durability and lifespan of critical national infrastructure.
Minister Umahi's Inspection and Directives
Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, made this declaration during an inspection of the Aleto bridge project in Rivers State on Saturday. He stressed that such practices will no longer be tolerated, highlighting a specific incident where completed sections of the road were completely blocked by parked fuel tankers.
"Yesterday I was passing through this road, the entire road we have completed was totally blocked, not by moving vehicles but fuel tankers, they parked on the road," Umahi stated. He emphasized a fundamental engineering principle: "No road project anywhere in the world is designed for static loads, they will destroy the road."
Protecting Massive Public Investment
With the total project cost exceeding N230 billion—N156 billion for phase one and N83 billion for phase two—the Minister underscored the imperative to protect such substantial public investments. "Is that what we should fold our hands and allow it to be destroyed?" he questioned rhetorically, urging collective responsibility.
Umahi expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work delivered by the contractor, RCC, and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive intervention in sustaining the project after funding from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) ceased in August 2025. "We are not owing RCC on this project. It is a very, very highly skilled and technical project and I’m very happy with the quality of work," he affirmed.
Project Details and Strategic Redesign
The Aleto bridge project is described as a landmark engineering effort, incorporating:
- Modern concrete pavement technology
- Solar-powered lighting systems
- Environmental landscaping
- Reinforced structural features
The Minister highlighted the strategic redesign from asphalt to concrete pavement, a directive from President Tinubu aimed at ensuring long-term durability. "We inherited this project from zero ground. It was the President that directed that we should redesign using concrete and then you can see the result," Umahi explained.
Timelines and Human Capital Development
Providing updates on project timelines, the Minister noted that one carriageway is expected to be completed before May 25, 2026, with the first phase projected for full completion by August 2026. He expressed confidence that the second phase, involving multiple flyovers and bridges, will be delivered within the year.
In line with commitments to human capital development, Umahi disclosed plans to integrate young Nigerian engineers into the project through a mentorship programme championed by President Tinubu. "We are making efforts on President Tinubu mentorship programme where young engineers will come and study what we’re doing here. They are our future leaders and it is a technical project to behold," he stated.
Call for Collective Responsibility
The Minister concluded with a passionate appeal to all Nigerians, particularly road users and transport operators, to take collective responsibility in safeguarding public infrastructure. "Let us protect our own. The minister cannot be here and everywhere. The road is being done and it’s been perfectly done but we have a duty to protect it," he urged, reinforcing the message that infrastructure preservation is a shared national duty.
